24 October 2013

Prestigious appointment for Dundee computing lecturer

University of Dundee lecturer Dr Karen Petrie has been appointed Director of Education for the Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA).

SICSA is a collaboration of Scottish universities whose goal is to develop and extend Scotland's position as a world leader in informatics and computer science research and education. As Director of Education, Dr Petrie will promote computing in Scotland to an external audience as well as representing the sector in dealings with the Scottish Government, Scottish Qualifications Authority, other industry bodies and schools and colleges.

Dr Petrie said, 'I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed Director of Education for SICSA and look forward to promoting Scottish computing and informatics education programmes and development, along with my core work at the University of Dundee.

'This is an exciting time for universities in Scotland, but also a challenging one and it is essential that our computing programmes are given the support they require to enable them to compete in a global marketplace and maintain our position as a leader in the development of technology.'

Dr Petrie is a Senior Lecturer and Head of Undergraduate Studies within the University's School of Computing. She has pioneered a number of public engagement initiatives to help build links with the local community and encourage more youngsters to consider a career in computing. This has even seen her take to the stage and deliver stand-up as part of the Bright Club movement in an attempt to get across the humour derived from her life in research.

Dean of the School of Computing Dr Janet Hughes congratulated Dr Petrie on her appointment, saying, 'Karen will continue to deliver her excellent outreach work but also now will be in a position to extend her influence across all Scottish universities. The potential impact is great and this is a very well-deserved recognition of her fantastic engagement and education work.'

SICSA Education is a forum for members to articulate and realise collective interests, and a portal for schools and colleges, industry and government to engage with the organisation. SICSA members work cooperatively by providing mutual support and sharing facilities for the betterment of computing education across the whole of Scotland.

By working closely with industry and government, appointing and retaining world-class staff and research students, and promoting research excellence as an economic driver, Scottish universities can build on their strong tradition in computing.

More information is available at www.sicsa.ac.uk/education.

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Grant Hill
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University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
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